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Menaka Guruswamy writes: In India, what women who run need
Central idea
The article explores the challenges and triumphs of Indian women athletes, particularly runners, revealing their resilience against societal norms and discriminatory practices. Sohini Chattopadhyay’s book, “The Day I Became a Runner,” serves as a powerful narrative, intertwining the stories of champion women runners with India’s political and cultural evolution.
Key Highlights:
- The article explores the challenges and triumphs faced by Indian women athletes, particularly runners, navigating societal norms, laws, and personal obstacles.
- Sohini Chattopadhyay’s book, “The Day I Became a Runner,” serves as a lens to understand the history of Indian women through the narratives of champion runners.
- The stories of Mary D’Souza, Kamaljit Sandhu, P T Usha, Santhi Soundarajan, Pinki Pramanik, Dutee Chand, Lalita Babar, and others are intricately woven into the fabric of India’s political and cultural landscape.
Key Challenges:
- Gender norms and societal restrictions circumscribing outdoor activities for women in India.
- Struggles against patriarchy, poverty, identity, caste, and even controversial “sex tests” faced by women athletes.
- The need for safe public spaces, established training programs, and a cultural shift encouraging women’s participation in sports.
Key Terms:
- Sex test: A controversial practice involving the testing of biological parameters to define a woman athlete’s gender.
- Patriarchy: The social system where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and social privilege.
- Stigma: Negative perceptions and attitudes associated with women athletes facing controversial tests or challenges.
Key Phrases:
- “A women’s history of India through the lens of sport”: Describes the book’s focus on portraying Indian women’s history through the stories of athletes.
- “To be a woman runner in India means to persevere in the face of tremendous odds”: Highlights the resilience required by women athletes to overcome societal barriers.
Key Quotes:
- “The book is both gripping and tough — gripping, so you don’t want to put it down, and tough, since the lives written up have been hard ones.”
- “The landmark verdict underlined that the World Athletics rules for female athletes discriminated against women by setting a threshold for testosterone.”
Anecdotes:
- Chattopadhyay’s own experiences as a woman runner, facing challenges of being the only woman in parks or roads.
- Stories of champion athletes like Mary D’Souza, P T Usha, and others, illustrating their resilience and achievements.
Key Statements:
- “There is no fairy-tale running story. And the training program is not what makes these lives harsh. It’s the many obstacles that these women must clear to simply do what they love — to run.”
- “Running requires safe public spaces, well-established training programs, and a culture that encourages women to occupy space in our streets and parks.”
Key Examples and References:
- Instances of women athletes facing hurdles such as the controversial “sex test” and societal stigmas.
- The case of Dutee Chand challenging and winning against discriminatory rules for female athletes.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically analyzes the societal and cultural barriers that women athletes face in India.
- It emphasizes the significance of running as a sport that requires substantial investment, including safe spaces and supportive cultural attitudes.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for gender-inclusive sports culture, encouraging more women to participate in running and other athletic activities.
- Promote awareness and challenge discriminatory practices like the controversial “sex tests” to create a more equitable sports environment for women.
- Continue to document and celebrate the stories of champion women athletes as a means of inspiration and advocacy for gender equality in spor
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Ram Madhav writes: Opposition today needs to learn from Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Central idea
The article highlights the evolution of leaders within India’s parliamentary democracy, contrasting them with those from dynastic politics. It celebrates Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a prime example, emphasizing his journey from an activist to a mature statesman. The central theme underscores the virtues of leaders emerging organically through democratic processes and the challenges posed by dynastic political practices.
Key Highlights:
- The article discusses the evolution of leaders within India’s parliamentary democracy and contrasts them with those from dynastic politics.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee is highlighted as an exemplary product of Indian parliamentary democracy, having entered politics as an activist and evolved into a mature statesman.
- Vajpayee’s role in the BJP’s rise from the fringes to the mainstream during the Congress-dominated era is emphasized.
- The article underscores Vajpayee’s oratorical skills, his role in consensus politics, and his commitment to national interests.
Key Challenges:
- Critique of dynastic politics in the Congress party post-Nehru, seen as a hindrance to embodying leadership values of parliamentary democracy.
- The challenge of maintaining decorum in political discourse, contrasting it with the current cheap antics of the Opposition.
Key Terms:
- Dynastic politics: The practice of political leadership being passed down through family lines.
- Consensus politics: The approach of seeking agreement among diverse political parties for effective governance.
- Oratorical skills: The ability to deliver powerful and persuasive speeches.
Key Phrases:
- “Leaders are born, they are not made”: Expresses the perspective on the natural emergence of leadership qualities.
- “Evil of dynastic politics”: Describes the negative impact of hereditary political leadership.
- “Teflon-coated Hindutva-vadi”: Term used to describe Atal Bihari Vajpayee, suggesting resilience in the face of criticism.
Key Quotes:
- “Leaders are born, they are not made.”
- “Dynasts can never fully appreciate and demonstrate the leadership values and principles of parliamentary democracy.”
- “Atal ji’s greatness is not limited to his prime ministership.”
Anecdotes:
- Vajpayee’s witty remark to Nehru about having a “split personality” and an “inverted vision.”
- Jaitley’s mention of Vajpayee’s obituary address for Nehru as a quality tribute to a political adversary.
Key Statements:
- “Leaders born into political families struggle to fully appreciate and demonstrate the leadership values of parliamentary democracy.”
- “Vajpayee’s commitment to consensus politics is noted, even during the challenges of leading a 23-party coalition.”
- “Vajpayee’s role as an ideal opposition leader is praised, emphasizing his support for the government during crucial times.”
Key Examples and References:
- Vajpayee’s journey from a young activist to a mature statesman within the parliamentary system.
- His criticism of Nehru’s policies and the BJP’s rise during the Congress-dominated era.
- Instances of Vajpayee’s leadership during events like the nuclear tests in 1998 and the Kargil War.
References:
- Arun Jaitley’s memorial address for Vajpayee, highlighting his oratory skills and leadership in opposition.
- Jaitley’s mention of Vajpayee’s best orations occurring when he was on the opposition benches.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically analyzes the impact of dynastic politics on embodying democratic leadership values.
- Vajpayee is portrayed as an exemplary leader, emphasizing his oratorical skills, commitment to consensus politics, and prioritization of national interests.
Way Forward:
- Encourage a departure from dynastic politics and foster leadership emerging through democratic processes.
- Advocate for a return to decorum in political discourse and a focus on consensus politics for effective governance.
- Learn from Vajpayee’s legacy, striving for political environments that prioritize national interests over partisan considerations.
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Telecom law upgrades for a digital authoritarian state
Central idea
The article critiques the recently passed Telecom Bill, emphasizing its nationalistic undertones, potential authoritarian features, and the failure to address the digital divide effectively. It questions the rushed parliamentary process and highlights concerns about corporate favoritism, symbolized by the renaming of the Universal Services Obligation Fund.
Key Highlights:
- The tweet by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announces the passage of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, and the repeal of The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
- The use of the term “Bharat” instead of “India” and crediting the PM’s individual vision are intentional for cultural nativism.
Key Challenges:
- The Telecom Bill is criticized for ignoring the persisting digital divide and lacking fresh ideas to address it.
- Provisions favoring select private firms and potential misuse of regulatory power are highlighted.
- State control and surveillance powers without defined safeguards raise concerns about privacy and freedom.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- “Digital Bharat Nidhi”: Renaming of Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) in the Telecom Bill.
- “Regulatory sandboxes”: Provisions likely to benefit large corporations in the telecom sector.
- “Authorisation” vs. “Licensing”: The change in terminology with increased severity in the Telecom Act.
Key Quotes:
- “Bharat moves on…” – Tweet by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
- “Guess who will soon step into Mobile Satellite Services from India?” – MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on potential favoritism towards private firms.
Key Statements:
- The Telecom Bill is criticized for distracting from the digital divide issue and lacking innovative solutions.
- Concerns raised about potential misuse of regulatory powers and selective favoritism toward private corporations.
Key Examples and References:
- Mention of the renaming of USOF as “Digital Bharat Nidhi” in the Telecom Bill.
- Reference to the allocation of satellite spectrum benefiting the Adani Group.
Key Facts and Data:
- Stagnation in new telecom users and contraction in smartphone sales, as reported by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and International Data Corporation.
- A legal penalty of ₹25,000 for providing false particulars or failing to share information as required by the Telecom Act.
Critical Analysis:
- The Telecom Bill is criticized for maintaining colonial architecture, vague definitions, and potential threats to privacy.
- The rushed passage of the bill without addressing raised concerns reflects an unconstitutional concentration of power.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for a thorough review of the Telecom Bill by a Standing Committee to address concerns.
- Emphasize the need for policies that genuinely bridge the digital divide and promote fair competition in the telecom sector.
- Encourage transparency, public participation, and safeguards to protect individual rights in telecommunications legislation.
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What are Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)?
Central Idea
- Residents in the Arctic have witnessed an extraordinary atmospheric display of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs).
Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)
Details Formation and Location Form in the polar stratosphere at altitudes of 15,000–25,000 meters; common over Antarctica and the Arctic. Temperature Conditions Require extremely cold temperatures, typically below −78°C (−108°F). Types Type I: Composed of water and nitric acid. Type II: Made almost entirely of water ice.
Role in Ozone Depletion Facilitate chemical reactions that produce chlorine and bromine compounds, leading to ozone destruction. Appearance Iridescent, shimmering pastel colors, leading to their nickname “nacreous” or “mother-of-pearl” clouds. Observation Visible during twilight, illuminated from below by the Sun. Research and Monitoring Studied for impact on ozone depletion and climate change; monitored via satellites and ground stations. Environmental Concern Linked to human-made chemicals like CFCs; subject to international regulation like the Montreal Protocol. Climate Change Connection Research ongoing into how climate change might affect PSCs’ frequency and distribution. Discovery and Study History Observed since the 19th century; their role in ozone depletion understood in the 1980s. -
Rediscovery of Namdapha Flying Squirrel in Arunachal Pradesh
Central Idea
- The Namdapha flying squirrel, missing for 42 years, has been sighted again in Arunachal Pradesh.
- This rare species was last documented in 1981 in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve.
Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Details Species Name Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) Type Arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel Endemic Region Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India Habitat Tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes in the catchment area of the Dihing River, northeastern India First Discovery Known from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981 Physical Description – Reddish, grizzled fur with white above – Pale grey crown, orangish patagium, white underparts
Genus Significance Was the sole member of its genus until the discovery of other species like Biswamoyopterus laoensis (2013) and Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis (2018) Conservation Status IUCN Status: Critically Endangered Wildlife Protection Act Status: Schedule I
Threats Threatened by poaching and possibly habitat destruction -
[pib] RAMP Programme
Central Idea
- Union Minister for MSME launched three sub-schemes under the RAMP (Reforms and Acceleration in MSME Performance) programme.
About RAMP Programme
Details About World Bank assisted Central Sector Scheme. Launch FY 2022-23 Supported By Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Government of India. Primary Aim – Improve access to market and credit for MSMEs. – Strengthen institutions and governance.
– Enhance Centre-State linkages and partnerships.
– Address delayed payments and promote greening of MSMEs.
Key Components – Preparation of Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) by states/UTs. – Apex National MSME Council for monitoring and policy overview.
Details of the Launched Schemes
MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSME GIFT Scheme) MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments Objective To assist MSMEs in adopting green technology. The government’s first scheme to support circular economy projects in the MSME sector. Combines legal support with IT tools and Artificial Intelligence to address delayed payments issues. Support Mechanisms Offers interest subvention and credit guarantee support. Aims to achieve zero emissions by 2070 through credit subsidy. Focused on aiding Micro and Small Enterprises. Unique Features – Encourages eco-friendly practices in MSMEs. – Financial incentives for green technology adoption.
– Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly business models. – Supports long-term environmental goals.
– Innovative use of technology for dispute resolution. – Aims to streamline payment processes and reduce conflicts.
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Overview of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023
Central Idea
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023, introduces significant reforms to replace the Indian Penal Code.
- The bill addresses terrorism, organized crime, gender neutrality, and repeals outdated laws like Section 377.
Major Provisions in the BNS Bill
[1] Promise to Marry (Clause 69)
- Targeting ‘Love Jihad’: Criminalizes deceitful promises to marry, potentially addressing the ‘love jihad’ narrative.
- Criminalization of Consensual Sexual Activity: Broadens the scope to include consensual sexual acts under certain deceitful circumstances.
[2] Mob Lynching
- Codification of Offences: Introduces specific provisions for mob lynching and hate-crime murders.
- Punishment: Ranges from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
[3] Organized Crime
- Inclusion in Ordinary Law: For the first time, organized crime is addressed under ordinary criminal law.
- Punishment Criteria: Distinction based on whether the crime results in death, with varying degrees of punishment.
[4] Terrorism
- Integration into Ordinary Law: Adopts definitions from stringent acts and international laws, broadening the scope of terror financing.
[5] Attempt to Suicide
- New Provision: Criminalizes suicide attempts aimed at compelling public servants, with potential implications for protests.
Significant Deletions and Repeals
[a] Section 377 (Unnatural Sexual Offences)
- Repeal: Decriminalizes homosexuality, but raises concerns about addressing non-consensual acts.
[b] Adultery
- Omission: Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, adultery is no longer criminalized.
[c] Thugee/Thugs (Section 310 IPC)
- Removal: Eliminates colonial-era notions of criminality associated with certain tribes.
Gender Neutrality in Laws
- Child-Related Offences: Makes laws about children gender-neutral.
- Adult Offences: Extends gender neutrality to crimes like outraging modesty and voyeurism.
Other Notable Changes
- Fake News: Introduces provisions against publishing false and misleading information.
- Sedition (‘Deshdroh’): Renames and broadens the definition to include financial support for subversive activities.
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Limits judicial discretion, raising concerns about fairness in considering mitigating circumstances.
- Public Property Damage: Implements fines corresponding to the extent of damage caused.
What was the need for new bills?
- Colonial legacy
- From 1860 to 2023, the country’s criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made by the British.
- The laws were drafted during colonial times and contain archaic language and concepts that might not accurately reflect current social norms, values.
- Advances in Technology
- This has introduced new dimensions to crime, evidence, and investigation.
- Simplification and Streamlining
- The laws have become complex over time, leading to confusion among legal practitioners, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
- Simplifying and streamlining the legal framework can enhance transparency and understanding.
- Evidence Collection and Presentation
- The Indian Evidence Act was enacted before the advent of modern forensic science and technological tools.
- Various reports highlighted the need for reforms in criminal laws
- The department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in its 146th report had recommended that there is a need for a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system of the country.
- It was also pointed out that the Parliamentary Standing Committee in its 111th and 128th reports had also highlighted the need for reforms in criminal laws.
Conclusion
- Reformative Approach: The BNS Bill represents a significant overhaul of India’s penal system, addressing contemporary issues and societal changes.
- Judicial Implications: While it introduces necessary reforms, the bill’s impact on judicial discretion and fairness in sentencing warrants careful consideration.
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Call for Reform in Sovereign Credit Rating Process
Central Idea
- India’s Chief Economic Adviser, V Anantha Nageswaran, emphasizes the need for reform in the sovereign credit rating process.
- The aim is to accurately reflect the default risk of developing economies and reduce their funding costs.
What are Sovereign Credit Ratings?
- A sovereign credit rating is a measure of a country’s creditworthiness, or its ability to meet its financial obligations.
- It is an assessment of the credit risk associated with a country’s bonds or other debt securities.
- The rating is assigned by credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings.
- S&P and Fitch rate India ‘BBB-‘ and Moody’s ‘Baa3’, all indicative of the lowest possible investment grade, but with a stable outlook.
India’s Pursuit of a Credit Rating Upgrade
- Current Rating: India is at the lowest possible investment grade but is seeking an upgrade due to improved economic metrics post-pandemic.
- Government Engagement: Continuous efforts are being made to engage with global credit rating agencies for an improved rating.
Challenges in the Current Rating Methodology
- Opacity and Impact: CEA points out the opaqueness in rating methodologies and the difficulty in quantifying the impact of qualitative factors.
- Bandwagon Effects and Biases: The significant presence of qualitative factors leads to cognitive biases and concerns about the credibility of ratings.
India’s Engagement with Rating Agencies
- Meetings with Top Agencies: Finance ministry officials have met with representatives from Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, and S&P Global Ratings.
- Current Ratings: While S&P and Fitch rate India at BBB, Moody’s rates it at Baa3 with a stable outlook.
Parameters and Issues in Sovereign Rating
- Typical Parameters: Agencies consider factors like growth rate, inflation, government debt, and political stability.
- Qualitative Component: Over half the ratings are determined by qualitative factors, often non-transparent and perception-based.
- Dominance in Ratings: Institutional Quality, often measured by World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs), is a significant determinant for developing economies.
- Issues with WGIs: These metrics are non-transparent, perception-based, and may not represent a sovereign’s willingness to pay.
CEA’s Recommendations
- Need for Transparency: Sovereigns are expected to be transparent; similarly, rating agencies should make their processes clear and avoid untenable judgments.
- Potential Benefits: Enhanced transparency could lead to more reliance on hard data and possible credit rating upgrades for many sovereigns.
- Access to Private Capital: Improved ratings can help developing countries access private capital crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change.
- India’s Export Targets: With initiatives like production-linked incentives and Make in India, India aims for a $2 trillion export target by 2030.
Conclusion
- Advocacy for Change: Nageswaran’s comments highlight the need for a more equitable and transparent sovereign credit rating process.
- Broader Implications: Such reforms could not only benefit developing economies like India by reducing funding costs but also contribute to a more accurate and fair global financial system.
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22nd Dec 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions
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